Peterborough Street Pastors was launched on Saturday 13th December 2008 at St. Mary’s Church in the City Centre. The very moving Service of Commissioning of our first 13 Street Pastors was followed by the new pastors heading for city centre club-land, accompanied by Roger from Ascension Trust. We are delighted that there has been a team out every Saturday night since then.
So, what do we do?
Peterborough Street Pastors is a scheme that sees volunteers from local churches going out on a Saturday night into the night time economy. We chat to those we meet – customers, taxi drivers, door staff, licensees and police officers. The purpose is to show the love of Jesus in a practical way. We offer a range of practical help: water, flip flops, basic first aid, picking up glass and bottles and assistance with taxis where needed.
A team of four work from 10.30pm – 4am each week of the year. We do not go out specifically to evangelise but will always take every opportunity to share our faith if asked. There are a lot of opportunities to talk with people and pray with them. We also have Gideon’s Bibles, in English and Polish, that we can leave with people if appropriate. [Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15]
Teams are trained, undertaking 12 sessions training in total, and are fully CRB checked. We are members of local churches and are all supported by them in this work.
How can you support us?
‘Unless the Lord builds a house, those who build it labour in vain.’ Psalm 127:1
• Become a Friend of Street Pastors – pray for this work using regular updates that will be sent to you.
• Come to our monthly prayer meetings – last Monday of each month, 7.30pm at St. Mary’s Church, New Road.
• Consider becoming a Street Pastor yourself – come out as an observer to see if the work is for you.
Contact the Co-ordinator by telephone or email for further information.
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